Provost Hexter Returns to Work

Updated Jan. 22: Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Ralph J. Hexter returned to work today after an eight-week medical leave.

Ken Burtis, who had stepped in as acting provost, has returned to his role as faculty adviser to the chancellor and provost.

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University of California, Davis, Chancellor Gary S. May has named Ken Burtis as acting provost and executive vice chancellor while Ralph J. Hexter takes medical leave.

Burtis, left, and Hexter

“Ralph is in all of our thoughts, and we wish him a speedy recovery,” May said.

Burtis previously served as interim provost and executive vice chancellor from May 2016 through July 2017. He is professor of genetics and past (and first) dean of the College of Biological Sciences. He has served as faculty adviser to the chancellor and provost since 2011.

Most recently, Burtis co-chaired the steering committee for the UC Davis 10-year strategic plan, “To Boldly Go.” The plan was released in September.

The chancellor is hopeful that Hexter will return to his role in early 2019.